Linda Hay, Kindergarten

Student Quote "I love Mrs. Hay -- she is my favorite teacher ever!"

Favorite Song "East to West" by Casting Crowns

Favorite Verse "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."  Proverbs 3: 5-6

Personal Statement "I always wanted to be a school teacher and when I graduated, God opened the door in a Christian school and He again worked in my life to bring me to HCS."

lin67mik@juno.com

Hometown:  Hollywood, Florida

SCHOOL NOTE:  Mrs. Hay received the 2009-2010 "Teacher of the Year" Award from local VFW Post 4300.

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Donna Kay VanNote, 1st Grade

Student Quote "I wish I could have had Mrs. VanNote more than once for my teacher!"

Favorite Song(s):  "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and "Like a River Glorious" (Hymns); Patriotic Songs; the contemporary group Point of Grace; and fun "Oldie Goldies" from the 50's, 60's and 70's.

Favorite Verses:  "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28; "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Phillipians 4:8; "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness..." Galatians 5:22 (all NASB referenced)

Personal Statement "I have taught 23 years at HCS in both pre-school and the lower elementary.  (HCS is) a great place to share Jesus and love on kids."

Memorable Educational Moments:  "I was teaching students the difference between an synonym and an antonym.  Just saying those two words is a lesson in itself!  When we were through and my students understood the concept, one child asked, "How do you know so much?"  Another child answered, "She's the teacher, she knows everything!"  I just left it at that.  It was so hard to keep from bursting out laughing.  I have a lot to live up to!"

"Many children are starting to lose their baby teeth in our class.  It's a big event in our room.  One child who just lost a tooth came to me with a serious question, "Is the tooth fairy a grl or a boy?"  I said, "I think it's a girl."  The student said, "I think so too."  Then they asked, "Is she awake at night and sleeps during the day?"  I said, "I think so."  The student responded, "I think so too!"  Off they went to play.  Tooth fairy mission accomplished!"

dkfr-fam@yahoo.com

Hometown:  Hollywood, Florida

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Jim Smiley, 2nd Grade

Student Quote "Mr. Smiley makes us laugh all the time!"

Favorite Verse "God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God's many kinds of blessings." 1 Peter 4:10

Degrees and Licensure:  Bachelors of Music Education from Olivet College; M.A. in Education from Regent University; ACSI Professional Certificate in Elementary Education

jamespeg2@hotmail.com

Hometown:  Springport, Michigan

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Doylynn Jones, 3rd grade

Favorite Quote:  "People don't care what you know until they know you care."  Teddy Roosevelt

Favorite Song:  "Finally Home"  by Mercy Me

Favorite Verse:  "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you..." Jeremiah 29:11

Personal Statement "I have worked with students most of my life and can't imagine a better job in the world than spending time getting to know them, loving them and sharing my love for Christ with them on a daily basis. Educationally speaking, my training is in the area of Fine Arts (writing, art, drama) and Social Sciences (Psychology/Counseling)."

dee_mjones@yahoo.com

Hometown:  Ocala, Florida

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Sara Arnold, 4th Grade

Student Quote "Before I went into Mrs. Arnold's class I was pretty bad at Math.  Now I'm more confident!"

Favorite Song -- The Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto

Favorite Verse "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."  Proverbs 3: 5-6

Personal Statement: "I've been a mother and a wife for almost 20 years.  I have a burden for children to know Christ.  I try to set the examplefor them.  I believe in Christian Education and know God wants we here (at Heartland Christian School)." 

Most Memorable Educational Moment "When I began substituting for public schools I noticed the blank looks in the students' eyes.  They seem to have so little hope in their lives.  Many had repeated grades and went home to an empty house.  I saw the apathy and wondered how I could impact them.  I tried to show them by my actions how Jesus can change lives, but felt I had little freedom in my speech. I wanted to be at a school where I could freely express the love of Jesus.  I desire to tell the students through my teaching how Christ is an essential part in every subject.  I was thrilled when I was offered a position at HCS and hope I show Jesus in my actions and words." 

Alma Mater(s):  Columbia International University (Columbia, SC); Northwestern College (St. Paul, MN)

sjarnold@embarqmail.com

Hometown:  Seoul, South Korea

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Heather Culp, 5th grade

Favorite Song -- Better Than a Hallelujah by Amy Grant

Favorite Verse "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:13

Personal Statement: "Ever since I was in the 2nd grade I knew that I was meant to be a teacher.  I love teaching and cannot imagine doing anything else with my life.  After teaching children's church and VBS at my church, I realized that I loved teaching children about God.  These experiences are what led me to apply here at Heartland Christian."

heatherdculp@aol.com 

Hometown:  Sebring, Florida

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Sharon Selander, part-time Elementary Spanish

Favorite Verse: "Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

selanderska@embarqmail.com

Hometown:  Greenville, Ohio

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